Fela Kuti’s Zombie album marks 50 years with vinyl release
By Anthonia Okonkwo
The iconic album Zombie by late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is marking its 50th anniversary with a special commemorative vinyl release.
Originally released in 1976, the album remains one of Fela’s best-known works, recognised for its distinctive sound and political message.
The new edition features photographs taken by Nigerian photographer Bolaji Alonge at Lagos’s New Afrika Shrine, bringing his work into the album’s anniversary presentation.
Alonge, who shared a video via Instagram on Friday, showed the vinyl record and its packaging. In his caption, he celebrated the album’s enduring sound, describing it as “crisp and timeless.”
The commemorative edition was developed in collaboration with Partisan Records and Denim Tears, the fashion brand founded by American designer Tremaine Emory.
The release also draws inspiration from the original album artwork by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu and is reported to be limited to 1,000 copies worldwide.
Five decades after its release, Zombie continues to attract attention, with the anniversary highlighting Fela’s musical legacy.
